Battle of Thermopylae
WarGreco-Persian Wars
Year480 BC
LocationGreece
BelligerentsPersia vs Greek city-states
About the Battle
300 Spartans and 7,000 Greeks held the pass for 3 days against 100,000+ Persians. Leonidas and his 300 died to a man. The sacrifice allowed Athens to evacuate and ultimately defeat Persia at Salamis. The battle became a symbol of courage against overwhelming odds. The famous reply when told Persian arrows would blot out the sun: Then we shall fight in the shade.
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